Yes on Prop. 31: Initiative would bring greater local control

There is nothing negative about Proposition 31, unless you believe the public does not have a right to know what government is doing. There are no flaws in Proposition 31, unless you believe that the state has all of the answers, and the people who control the capital should control every community.

Proposition 31 does tie the hands of the Legislature – but only in those circumstances when lawmakers are likely to repeat mistakes. But it also gives them the tools to make the right decisions – to make sure programs are working, to allow communities to learn from each other, and to begin to restore the public trust.

In short, Proposition 31 is a recipe to reduce waste and improve results. It can change the course of California’s history – reducing government centralization and creating stronger communities. It would show elected officials – and those eager to write California’s obituary – that Californians are still in charge of their destiny, and their dream is still alive.

Demand accountability from your government and join me in voting yes on Proposition 31.

Meier Wright, strategic adviser to Collaborative Economics, spent six years as secretary of trade and commerce under Gov. Pete Wilson.